Let's Talk About Measles

What is Measles?

Measles is a highly contagious viral infection that primarily affects young children. It is often mild but can have serious complications including Pneumonia, Encephalitis (brain swelling) and death,especially in kids under 5 or the immunocompromised.

Symptoms include:

1. High fever (can be 103-104F)

2. Cough

3. Conjunctivitis

4. Runny Nose

5. Sore Throat

THEN a Rash that starts on the face and spreads DOWN the body.

Symptoms will generally appear 7-14 days after exposure. In many cases, a small white spot (Koplik spots) may appear inside the mouth before the rash starts.

How Contagious is Measles?

Just being in the same room as an infected person can put someone at risk, and the virus can linger in the air for up to two hours. It is transmitted through the air when an infected person sneezes or coughs. It can also survive on surfaces for several hours. Those infected can be contagious 4 days before the rash until 4 days after the rash starts.

Complications of Measles:

While most children recover from measles with rest and supportive care, complications can occur, including:

*Pneumonia - that can be fatal.

*Encephalitis – Inflammation of the brain (can sometimes occur years later and can be incurable)

*Subcaute sclerosis panencephalitis (SSPE), a rare, but fatal brain disorder that can occur years after a measles infection with a slow progressive decline in mental function and then seizures before death.

*Death - rare but increased risk in younger kids and immunocompromised.

The risk of complications is higher for infants under 1 year old, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems.

How to Prevent Measles:

Besides staying in a bubble, Vaccination is Key.

The MMR vaccine, which protects against measles, mumps, and rubella, is safe, very effective, and recommended for all children. Several large studies of several hundred thousands of kids have shown that the MMR vaccine DOES NOT cause Autism. If you have concerns about the vaccine, please have a conversation with your doctor.

Vitamin A does NOT prevent measles. It is given in 3rd world countries because many kids are deficient in Vitamin A. Most kids in the U.S. are not deficient to this extent and therefore do not need large quantities of additional vitamin A. It can help to have adequate amounts but does not prevent the disease. Please note, large amounts of excessive Vitamin A can cause complications including: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, dizziness, blurry vision, skin rashes, fatigue, increased risk of fractures, and increased pressure in the brain (in kids).

Vaccine Administration schedule:

First dose: Administered at 12-15 months of age.

Second dose: Given between 4- 6 years of age.

* A single dose of the MMR vaccine provides about 93%

protection against measles, while two doses offer about 97% protection.

*Each dose much be 1 month apart.

*>2 doses does NOT give greater immunity.

It’s never too late to protect your child from measles.

The Current Measles Outbreak in Texas:

Measles Outbreak

There have been 309 cases since January (largest outbreak in over 30 years) with

40 patients hospitalized and 1 death of a 5 year old.

What Should Parents Do Now?

If you’re concerned about the recent measles outbreak, here are a few steps you can take:

1. Check your child’s vaccination records – If you’re unsure if your child is up-to-date with their MMR vaccine, contact your doctor confirm or check the state Immunization Registry

2. Make sure all family members are vaccinated – It’s not just your children who need protection. Adults who have not been vaccinated or have never had measles should think about the vaccine.

3. If your child has fever, cough, rash, conjunctivitis, stay home and call your doctor to prevent the spread to others. At Thrive, send a photo or do a virtual visit!

If you are traveling to an area affected or you are worried, your child can have a dose of the MMR as early as 6 months of age (however, they would need 2 more doses after the age of 1 for full vaccination). If they are >1 years old and have 1 dose, they can get the 2nd dose of the MMR after 1 month.

Measles is a preventable disease, and vaccination is the most effective way to protect your child and your community. If you haven’t already, now is the time to ensure that your child has received their MMR vaccine. By vaccinating and staying informed, you can help

prevent the spread of measles and protect your loved ones from this dangerous disease.

It may seem like a mild disease but prior to the MMR vaccine >2.5 million deaths occurred across the world each year (per the WHO) and now there are still, 140,000 deaths worldwide that occur annually from Measles.